Full steam ahead for Fred Dibnah museum

A tourist attraction celebrating the life and times of TV historian and celebrity steeplejack Fred Dibnah has opened its doors. The Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre will preserve and promote Fred's love of the golden age of steam.

A tourist attraction celebrating the life and times of TV historian and celebrity steeplejack Fred Dibnah has opened its doors.

The Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre will preserve and promote Fred's love of the golden age of steam.

The new owners of Fred's former home on Radcliffe Road, Bolton, have spent thousands of pounds restoring the 155-year-old building to its former glory.

Enthusiasts will now get to walk around Fred's sprawling backyard, steam houses and oil-stained machinery – all well-known to TV viewers across the country as they appeared in many of his documentaries. Star of the show is Fred's 70ft-deep working mineshaft.

The project has been a labour of love for Leon and Jan Powsney, who put a life in Spain on hold to launch the scheme.

They bought the Grade II-listed house in March last year determined to bring it back to life to tell Fred's story through guided tours. Their plans also have the backing of regional tourism bosses.

The centre was formally opened by the Mayor of Bolton, Coun John Byrne.

Leon said: “We are delighted to finally be open. This is a unique attraction in honour of a unique man. It would have been a real shame if this house would have gone to wrack and ruin. I am really proud of what we have done.

“We are still looking to do one or two major jobs so if anyone out there can help with funding we would love to hear from them. We hope people enjoy the centre and it will be an ideal place for children to come and learn or perhaps have a lesson.”

Two tours a day will now be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays as well as Bank Holidays.

The interior of the home, which dates back to 1851 and sits on the steep banks of the River Tonge, has been painstakingly restored by the couple.

The gardens and Fred's collection of tools and machines have also been brought back to life.

Flat-capped Fred, who died from cancer aged 66 in 2004, found fame in the north west as a steeplejack, but became well-known nationally through his TV programmes celebrated Britain's industrial heritage and the golden age of steam.

He was awarded an MBE for services to heritage and broadcasting before he died.